Mounting assembly for mounting a solar panel

ABSTRACT

A mounting assembly for mounting a solar panel to a surface includes a mounting base that is supported on the surface. The mounting base defines an elongated opening that extends along an axis. A module mount can be coupled to the mounting base. The module mount includes a first mount portion that is received within the elongated opening of the mounting base such that the module mount is movable with respect to the mounting base along the axis. A second mount portion is coupled to the solar panel for mounting the solar panel to the surface through the mounting base.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/936,553 filed on Mar. 27,2018, entitled “MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR MOUNTING A SOLAR PANEL,” which ishereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The instant application is directed towards a mounting assembly. Forexample, the instant application is directed towards a mounting assemblyfor mounting a solar panel to a surface.

BACKGROUND

Mounting assemblies may be used for mounting a solar panel. Mountingassemblies can be used to mount a solar panel to a surface, such as aroof.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify key factors oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In an example, a mounting assembly for mounting a solar panel to asurface is provided. The mounting assembly comprises a mounting baseconfigured to be supported on the surface. The mounting base defines anelongated opening that extends along an axis. A module mount isconfigured to be coupled to the mounting base. The module mountcomprises a first mount portion configured to be received within theelongated opening of the mounting base such that the module mount ismovable with respect to the mounting base along the axis. A second mountportion is configured to be coupled to the solar panel for mounting thesolar panel to the surface through the mounting base.

In an example, a mounting assembly for mounting a solar panel to asurface is provided. The mounting assembly comprises a mounting basecomprising a body portion configured to be supported on the surface. Thebody portion is configured to accommodate a module mount to which thesolar panel is coupled such that the solar panel is mounted to thesurface through the mounting base.

In an example, a mounting assembly for mounting a solar panel to asurface is provided. The mounting assembly comprises a module mountcomprising a first mount portion configured to be coupled to a mountingbase such that the module mount is movable with respect to the mountingbase along an axis. The mounting assembly comprises a second mountportion configured to be coupled to the solar panel for mounting thesolar panel to the surface through the mounting base.

The following description and annexed drawings set forth certainillustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but afew of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed.Other aspects, advantages, and/or novel features of the disclosure willbecome apparent from the following detailed description when consideredin conjunction with the annexed drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example mounting assembly for mounting asolar panel to a surface;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an example mounting assembly for mounting asolar panel to a surface;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a portion of an example mounting assemblyfor mounting a solar panel to a surface;

FIG. 4A is an illustration of a portion of an example mounting assemblyfor mounting a solar panel to a surface;

FIG. 4B is an illustration of a portion of an example mounting assemblyfor mounting a solar panel to a surface;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an example mounting assembly for mounting asolar panel to a surface;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an example mounting assembly for mounting asolar panel to a surface;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an example mounting assembly for mounting asolar panel to a surface;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a portion of an example mounting assemblyfor mounting a solar panel to a surface;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a portion of an example assembly formounting a solar panel to a surface;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an example mounting assembly for mountinga solar panel to a surface;

FIG. 11 an illustration of an example mounting assembly for mounting asolar panel to a surface;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a portion of an example assembly formounting a solar panel to a surface;

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an example mounting assembly for mountinga solar panel to a surface;

FIG. 14A is an illustration of an example mounting assembly for mountinga solar panel to a surface;

FIG. 14B is an illustration of an example mounting assembly for mountinga solar panel to a surface;

FIG. 15A is an illustration of an example mounting assembly for mountinga solar panel to a surface; and

FIG. 15B is an illustration of an example mounting assembly for mountinga solar panel to a surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providean understanding of the claimed subject matter. It is evident, however,that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, structures and devices are illustrated inblock diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subjectmatter. Relative size, orientation, etc. of parts, components, etc. maydiffer from that which is illustrated while not falling outside of thescope of the claimed subject matter.

Turning to FIG. 1, an example mounting assembly 100 for mounting a solarpanel 102 to a surface 104 is illustrated. The surface 104 can form aportion of a roof (e.g., of a building, a house, etc.), the ground, etc.In an example, the surface 104 can be substantially planar and mayextend horizontally, though in some examples, the surface 104 can beangled. As will be described herein, the mounting assembly 100 can allowfor adjustability of the solar panel 102 with respect to the surface104. For example, the solar panels 102 may be movable with respect tothe mounting assembly 100. Such adjustability and/or movability canallow for a reduced size of a gap/space between adjacent solar panels106. In addition or in the alternative, such adjustability and/ormovability can allow for accommodation of surface structures on thesurface 104, such as vents, air conditioners, etc. In an example, aplurality of mounting assemblies (e.g., the mounting assembly 100, asecond mounting assembly 110, etc.) can be provided as part of a system112 that mounts the solar panels 102, 106, etc. to the surface 104.

Referring to FIG. 2, a side view of the system 112 comprising themounting assembly 100 and the second mounting assembly 110 isillustrated as viewed from the perspective of lines 2-2 of FIG. 1. Itwill be appreciated that the mounting assembly 100 is substantiallysimilar to the second mounting assembly 110 of FIG. 1. In an example,the mounting assembly 100 can support an end of the solar panels 102,106 while the second mounting assembly 110 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 1)can support an opposite end of one or more solar panels (e.g., 102 or106). In this way, the mounting assembly 100 and the second mountingassembly 110 can mount a solar panel to the surface 104.

In an example, the mounting assembly 100 comprises a mounting base 200and a module mount 202. The mounting base 200 is supported on thesurface 104 while the module mount 202 is coupled to the mounting base200. In an example, the module mount 202 may be coupled to the solarpanel 102. The module mount 202 may have a substantially planar bottomsurface such that the module mount 202 may be substantially flushagainst the surface 104.

Referring to FIG. 3, an example of the mounting base 200 is illustrated.The mounting base 200 comprises one or more leg portions 300 that arecoupled to a body portion 302. In an example, the one or more legportions 300 may be supported on the surface 104. The one or more legportions 300 may comprise a first leg portion 303, a second leg portion304, a third leg portion 306, and a fourth leg portion 308. The firstleg portion 303 and the second leg portion 304 can be disposed on afirst side of the body portion 302, while the third leg portion 306 andthe fourth leg portion 308 can be disposed on a second side of the bodyportion 302.

In an example, the first leg portion 303 and the second leg portion 304can be spaced apart from each other while extending substantiallyparallel to each other. The first leg portion 303 and the second legportion 304 can define a first mounting opening 310. The first mountingopening 310 can be bordered by the first leg portion 303, the second legportion 304, and the body portion 302.

In an example, the first leg portion 303 and the second leg portion 304can define one or more first leg openings 314. The first leg openings314 may be defined in a sidewall of the first leg portion 303 and thesecond leg portion 304 that border the first mounting opening 310. Inthis way, the first leg openings 314 can receive a support structure 315(e.g., a rod, a beam, a bar, etc.) that extends between the first legportion 303 and the second leg portion 304. It is to be appreciated thatFIG. 3 illustrates only one support structure 315 (e.g., illustratedwith dashed lines) supported in a pair of the first leg openings 314. Inoperation, however, up to four support structures may be provided (e.g.,disposed within leg openings) in a similar manner as the supportstructure 315. For example, one or more additional support structures315 may be positioned in some or all of the first leg openings 314 ofthe first leg portion 303 and the second leg portion 304. A first weight390 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 1) can be supported on the supportstructures (e.g., 315, etc.) so as to hold the mounting base 200 inplace relative to the surface 104.

In an example, the third leg portion 306 and the fourth leg portion 308can be spaced apart from each other while extending substantiallyparallel to each other. The third leg portion 306 and the fourth legportion 308 can define a second mounting opening 312. The secondmounting opening 312 can be bordered by the third leg portion 306, thefourth leg portion 308, and the body portion 302. In an example, thethird leg portion 306 and the fourth leg portion 308 define one or moresecond leg openings 320. The second leg openings 320 may be defined in asidewall of the third leg portion 306 and the fourth leg portion 308that border the second mounting opening 312. In this way, the second legopenings 320 can receive a support structure (e.g., a rod, a beam, abar, etc.) that extends between the third leg portion 306 and the fourthleg portion 308. For example, one or more additional support structures315 may be positioned in some or all of the second leg openings 320 ofthe third leg portion 306 and the fourth leg portion 308. A secondweight 392 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 1) can be supported on thesupport structure(s) (e.g., 315) so as to hold the mounting base 200 inplace relative to the surface 104. In an example, the third leg portion306 can extend substantially co-axial with the first leg portion 303,while the fourth leg portion 308 can extend substantially co-axial withthe second leg portion 304.

The body portion 302 can be coupled to the one or more leg portions 300,and can extend between a first end 340 and a second end 342. In anexample, the body portion 302 of the mounting base 200 can define anelongated opening 330 that extends along an axis 332. The body portion302 is configured to be supported on the surface 104. In an example, theaxis 332 can extend non-perpendicular to the surface 104. In anotherexample, the axis 332 can extend substantially parallel to the surface104.

The elongated opening 330 can extend between the first end 340 and thesecond end 342 of the body portion 302. In this way, the axis 332 alongwhich the elongated opening 330 extends can be oriented substantiallynon-parallel (e.g., perpendicular in an example) to a direction alongwhich the first leg portion 303, the second leg portion 304, the thirdleg portion 306, and/or the fourth leg portion 308 extend. As will bedescribed herein, the body portion 302 is configured to receive themodule mount 202 to which the solar panel 102 is coupled, within theelongated opening 330. In this way, the module mount 202 can be movablewith respect to the mounting base 200 along the axis 332 while mountingthe solar panel 102 to the surface 104 through the mounting base 200.

In an example, the mounting base 200 comprises one or more anchoropenings 398. The anchor openings 398 may be disposed at opposing endsof the mounting base 200 (e.g., the right-most anchor opening isobstructed from view in FIG. 3, but is substantially similar to theleft-most anchor opening 398). In an example, the anchor openings 398may be defined along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to thesurface upon which the mounting base 200 rests. In this way, a fastenercan be inserted through the anchor openings 398 and may directly orindirectly be embedded in the surface. In this way, the mounting basecan be attached to the surface. Such attachment may be beneficial, forexample, in locations that may experience inclement weather, such asearthquakes, heavy winds, precipitation, etc.

The mounting base 200 can comprise any number of materials. For example,the mounting base 200 can comprise metal materials, non-metal materials(e.g., plastics, composites, etc.), or the like. In an example, thefirst end 340 and the second end 342 of the body portion 302 cancomprise a first recessed portion 344 and a second recessed portion 346to allow for attachment to a beam or other similar structure.

Referring to FIG. 4A, an example of the module mount 202 is illustrated.The module mount 202 is configured to be coupled to the mounting base200 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 3). In an example, the module mount 202comprises a first mount portion 400, a second mount portion 402, and anintermediate mount portion 404.

The first mount portion 400 is configured to engage and/or be receivedwithin the elongated opening 330 of the mounting base 200 such that themodule mount 202 is movable with respect to the mounting base 200 alongthe axis 332. It will be appreciated that the term “received” is notintended to be limited to an interpretation in which the entirety of thefirst mount portion 400 is received within the elongated opening 330.Rather, in an example, by being received within the elongated opening330, some, or all, of the first mount portion 400 may be received withinthe elongated opening 330.

The first mount portion 400 comprises a first plate 410. The first plate410 can comprise a substantially planar structure that may be positionedin contact with the body portion 302. A first side of the first plate410 may be in contact with the body portion 302, while a second side ofthe first plate 410 may face away from the body portion 302. The firstplate 410 can define a first plate opening 412 (e.g., also illustratedin FIG. 4B).

The first mount portion 400 comprises a first fastener 416 that isconfigured to be received through the first plate opening 412. In anexample, the first fastener 416 comprises one or more mechanicalfastening structures, such as a screw, a bolt, a washer, a nut, etc. Inthis way, the first fastener 416 can pass through the first plateopening 412 of the first plate 410 and through the elongated opening 330of the body portion 302 of the mounting base 200. As such, the firstfastener 416 can attach and/or couple the module mount 202 to themounting base 200.

In an example, the first mount portion 400 comprises a first tab 414that is attached to the first plate 410. The first tab 414 can projecttowards the body portion 302 of the mounting base 200. The first tab 414can have a width that is smaller than or equal to a width of theelongated opening 330. Accordingly, in an example, the first tab 414 canbe received within the elongated opening 330, such that the first tab414 can limit inadvertent rotation of the module mount 202 relative tothe mounting base 200. That is, with the first fastener 416 and thefirst tab 414 received within the elongated opening 330, rotationalmovement of the module mount 202 is substantially limited, but selectivemovement of the module mount 202 along the axis 332 is provided for. Inan example, the first fastener 416 can be tightened or loosened betweena first position, in which the first fastener 416 is tightened and themodule mount 202 is substantially limited from moving relative to themounting base 200, and a second position, in which the first fastener416 is loosened and the module mount 202 is movable relative to themounting base 200.

The second mount portion 402 of the module mount 202 can be coupled tothe solar panel 102 for mounting the solar panel 102 to the surface 104through the mounting base 200. In an example, the second mount portion402 can be coupled to the first mount portion 400 by an intermediatemount portion 404. The intermediate mount portion 404 can extend betweenthe first mount portion 400 and the second mount portion 402, with oneend of the intermediate mount portion 404 attached to the first mountportion 400, and an opposing end of the intermediate mount portion 404attached to the second mount portion 402. The intermediate mount portion404 can extend a longer or shorter distance than as illustrated, suchthat the second mount portion 402 can be spaced a longer or shorterdistance apart from the first mount portion 400. In an example, thesecond mount portion 402 can extend along a plane and may besubstantially parallel to the first mount portion 400. The second mountportion 402 may be spaced a distance 420 apart from the first mountportion.

Referring to FIG. 4B, an example of the module mount 202 being attachedto the body portion 302 of the mounting base 200 is illustrated asviewed from the perspective indicated by lines 4B-4B in FIG. 2. In anexample, the first fastener 416 comprises a nut 450, a head 452, and athreaded portion 454. The first fastener 416 can be inserted through thefirst plate opening 412 of the first plate 410 and through the elongatedopening 330 of the body portion 302. In an example, the head 452 may belarger in cross-sectional size than the first plate opening 412 and theelongated opening 330. In this way, the head 452 is limited from beinginadvertently passed through the first plate opening 412 and theelongated opening 330. The nut 450 may be attached to the threadedportion 454 (e.g., by screwing the nut 450 onto the threaded portion454). In an example, the nut 450 may have a larger cross-sectional sizethan the first plate opening 412 and the elongated opening 330. In thisway, the nut 450 is limited from being inadvertently passed through thefirst plate opening 412 and the elongated opening 330. In an example,the nut 450 can be loosened to allow for the module mount 202 to bemoved and/or adjusted along the elongated opening 330 of the bodyportion 302. To secure the module mount 202 and limit movement, the nut450 can be tightened onto the threaded portion 454. It will beappreciated that other structures can be provided to allow formovable/adjustable attachment of the module mount 202 relative to thebody portion 302.

Referring to FIG. 5, the operation of the mounting assembly 100 can bedescribed. In an example, the system 112 comprises the mounting assembly100 and the second mounting assembly 110. The second mounting assembly110 is substantially similar to the mounting assembly 100. For example,the second mounting assembly 110 comprises a second mounting base 500.The second mounting base 500 is substantially similar to the mountingbase 200. The second mounting base 500 is configured to be supported onthe surface 104, and the second mounting base 500 can define a secondelongated opening 502 (e.g., illustrated with dashed lines) that extendsalong a second axis 504. In an example, the axis 332 and the second axis504 are co-linear.

In an example, the second mounting assembly 110 comprises a secondmodule mount 510 that is configured to be coupled to the second mountingbase 500. The second module mount 510 is substantially similar to themodule mount 202 but for having a different dimension (e.g., height). Inan example, the second module mount 510 comprises a third mount portion512 that is configured to be received within the second elongatedopening 502 of the second mounting base 500. The third mount portion 512is substantially similar to the first mount portion 400. As such, thesecond module mount 510 may be movable with respect to the secondmounting base 500 along the second axis 504. The second module mount 510comprises a fourth mount portion 514 that is configured to be coupled tothe solar panel 102 for mounting the solar panel 102 to the surface 104through the second mounting base 500. In an example, the fourth mountportion 514 is substantially similar to the second mount portion 402.

The second mount portion 402 may be spaced the distance 420 apart fromthe mounting base 200. In an example, the fourth mount portion 514 maybe spaced a second distance 520 from the second mounting base 500. Thedistance 420 may be different than the second distance 520. For example,the distance 420 may be greater than the second distance 520, such thatthe module mount 202 has a greater height than the second module mount510. In this way, the solar panel 102 can extend non-parallel to thesurface 104 and/or the axis 332 and/or the second axis 504. That is, afirst end 530 of the solar panel 102 can be coupled to the module mount202 while a second end 532 of the solar panel 102 can be coupled to thesecond module mount 510. The first end 530 can be spaced farther awayfrom the mounting base 200 than the second end 532 is spaced away fromthe second mounting base 500. In an example, the solar panel 102 candefine an angle 540 with respect to the axis 332 and/or the second axis504. The angle 540 may, in an example, bet between about 8 degrees toabout 12 degrees, or between about 9 degrees to about 11 degrees, orabout 10 degrees.

In an example, the mounting assembly 100 can comprise a third modulemount 550. The third module mount 550 is substantially similar to thesecond module mount 510. For example, the third module mount 550comprises a fifth mount portion 552 and a sixth mount portion 554, whichare substantially similar to the third mount portion 512 and the fourthmount portion 514. The fifth mount portion 552 is configured to becoupled to the mounting base 200 such that the third module mount 550 ismovable with respect to the mounting base 200 along the axis 332. Thesixth mount portion 554 is configured to be coupled to a second solarpanel 556 for mounting the solar panel 102 to the surface 104 throughthe second mounting base 500. In an example, the sixth mount portion 554is spaced a third distance 558 from the mounting base 200. The distance420 may be different than the third distance 558. In an example, thedistance 420 may be greater than the third distance 558.

By allowing for the solar panels 102, 106 to be angled (e.g., 540), aspace 570 between adjacent solar panels 102, 106 can be reduced. Forexample, if the solar panels 102, 106 were horizontally oriented andparallel to the surface 104, the solar panels 102, 106 would impart alarger footprint and/or take up more space. By angling the solar panels102, 106, the space 570 can be reduced, thus allowing for a largernumber of solar panels to be positioned on the surface 104.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an example of a system 600 is illustrated.In an example, the system 600 comprises the mounting assembly 100 andthe second mounting assembly 110, the solar panel 102 and the secondsolar panel 106, the module mount 202, the second module mount 510, andthe third module mount 550, etc. In an example, the solar panel 102 andthe second solar panel 110 can be oriented in a different orientationthan as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5. For example, the solar panel 102and the second solar panel 110 in FIGS. 1 to 5 are substantiallyparallel to each other. However, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, thesolar panel 102 and the second solar panel 106 can be non-parallel toeach other. That is, in the examples of FIGS. 6 and 7, the first end 530of the solar panel 102 may be spaced a farther distance from the axis332, 504 than the second end 532 of the solar panel 102. The first end630 of the second solar panel 106 is spaced a shorter distance from theaxis 332, 504 than the second end 632 of the second solar panel 106. Inan example, the second end 532 of the solar panel 102 is adjacent to thefirst end 630 of the second solar panel 106. In this way, the solarpanels 102, 106, etc. can form a generally V-shape, with an end of thesolar panels 102, 106 (e.g., at the second end 532 and the first end630) being a shorter distance from the axis 332, 504, while the opposingends of the solar panels 102, 106 (e.g., at the first end 530 and thesecond end 632) are a farther distance from the axis 332, 504.

In an example, the system 600 comprises a support arm 601. The supportarm 601 can extend between the mounting assembly 100 at a first supportend 602 and the second mounting assembly 110 at a second support end606. In an example, the first support end 602 is attached to themounting assembly 100 while the second support end 606 is attached tothe second mounting assembly 110. The first support end 602 and thesecond support end 606 can be attached in any number of ways, such aswith mechanical fasteners, mechanical snap fit locking, etc. In anexample, the support arm 601 has a substantially c-shapedcross-sectional shape, such that the support arm 601 can be insertedover the recessed portions 344, 346 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 3) of themounting assembly 100 and the second mounting assembly 110. For example,the first support end 602 of the support arm 601 can receive a recessedportion of the mounting assembly 100 (e.g., 344 of FIG. 3) while thesecond support end 604 of the support arm 601 can receive a recessedportion of the second mounting assembly 110 (e.g., similar to 346 ofFIG. 3). In this way, the support arm 601 can be attached to themounting assembly 100 and to the second mounting assembly 110. Thesupport arm 601 can support a module mount 608 to which the solar panels102, 106 can be attached.

In an example, the system 600 is not limited to comprising the supportarm 601 and the module mount 608. Rather, in an example, the system 600may comprise a third mounting assembly that is similar to the mountingassembly 100 and the second mounting assembly 110. The third mountingassembly may rest upon a surface in a similar manner as the mountingassembly 100 and the second mounting assembly 110. The third mountingassembly may be positioned at the location indicated by the module mount608. In this way, the ends (e.g., the second end 532 and the first end630) of the solar panel 102 and the second solar panel 106 can beattached to the third mounting assembly. As such, in an example, thesystem 600 may omit the support arm 601 and/or the module mount 608,while substituting a third mounting assembly to support the ends (e.g.,the second end 532 and the first end 630) of the solar panel 102).

Referring to FIG. 8, a sectional view of the support arm 601 along lines8-8 of FIG. 7 is illustrated. In an example, the support arm 601comprises a first wall 800, a second wall 802, and a third wall 804.Together, the first wall 800, the second wall 802, and the third wall804 can define a substantially hollow interior 806. In an example, thefirst recessed portion 344 can be received within the interior 806. Inthis way, the second wall 802 and the third wall 804 of the support arm601 can be spaced a distance apart so as to receive the first recessedportion 344. In an example, to attach the support arm 601 to the firstrecessed portion 344 and limit the likelihood of inadvertent detachment,a fastener 808 can be provided. The fastener 808 may be inserted intoopenings in the second wall 802, the third wall 804, and/or the firstrecessed portion 344.

Referring to FIG. 9, the module mount 608 is illustrated. In an example,the module mount 608 comprises a first mount portion 900, a second mountportion 902, and a third mount portion 904. The first mount portion 900can be attached to the support arm 601. For example, the first mountportion 900 may comprise one or more first sidewalls 901 that can beattached to the support arm 601. The first sidewalls 901 can be spacedapart to define an opening into which the support arm 601 is receivedwithin. In an example, the first sidewalls 901 may be attached to acentral sidewall 903 that extends substantially parallel to the supportarm 601.

The second mount portion 902 and the third mount portion 904 can beattached to and disposed on opposite sides of the first mount portion900. For example, the second mount portion 902 comprises one or moresecond sidewalls 910 that are adjacent to and/or in contact with thesupport arm 601. The second sidewalls 910 can be angled and may beattached by a second attachment sidewall 912. The second attachmentsidewall 912 can be angled with respect to the support arm 601, such asby defining an angle that is between about 1 degree and 20 degrees. Thesecond attachment sidewall 912 can define an opening through which afastener can extend. In this way, the solar panel 102 can be attached tothe second attachment sidewall 912 (e.g., with a fastener, for example).

The third mount portion 904 comprises one or more third sidewalls 920that are adjacent to and/or in contact with the support arm 601. Thethird sidewalls 920 can be angled and may be attached by a thirdattachment sidewall 922. The third attachment sidewall 922 can be angledwith respect to the support arm 601, such as by defining an angle thatis between about 1 degree and 20 degrees. The third attachment sidewall922 can define an opening through which a fastener can extend. In thisway, the second solar panel 106 can be attached to the third attachmentsidewall 922 (e.g., with a fastener, for example).

Referring to FIG. 10, an example of a system 1000 is illustrated. In anexample, the system 1000 comprises the mounting assembly 100 and thesecond mounting assembly 110, the solar panel 102 and the second solarpanel 106, and one or more module mounts (e.g., 202, 510, 550), etc. Inan example, the solar panel 102 and the second solar panel 110 can beoriented in a different orientation than as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9.For example, the solar panel 102 and the second solar panel 110 in FIG.10 may be substantially parallel to each other. In an example, the solarpanel 102 and the second solar panel 110 may be co-planar with eachother, such as by extending substantially parallel to the surface 104.In this way, the module mounts (e.g., 202, 510, 550) may the sameheight. In an example, the module mounts used to attach the solar panels(e.g., 102, 106) may comprise the module mounts 202. In another example,the module mounts used to attach the solar panels (e.g., 102, 106) maycomprise the second module mounts 510. As such, the solar panels 102,106, etc. can be spaced a substantially constant distance from thesurface 104. In an example, the system 100 may not comprise the modulemounts (e.g., 202, 510, 550). Rather, in an example, the solar panels102, 106 can be supported on the module mounts (e.g., 202, 510, 550),such as by resting upon the mounting base.

Referring to FIG. 11, an example of a system 1100 is illustrated. In anexample, the system 1100 comprises the mounting assembly 100 and thesecond mounting assembly 110, the solar panel 102, and the second solarpanel 106, and one or more module mounts (e.g., 202, 510, 550), etc. Inan example, the system 1100 may not comprise the weights (e.g., thefirst weight 390, the second weight 392, etc.). Rather, the mountingassemblies (e.g., the mounting assembly 100, the second mountingassembly 110, etc.) can be fixed to the surface 104 (e.g., the ground, aroof, etc.) with one or more cables.

In an example, the one or more cables may comprise first cables 1102and/or second cables 1104. The first cables 1102 can be orientedsubstantially parallel to each other, and may extend non-parallel (e.g.,perpendicular) to the axis 332 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 3) along whichthe elongated openings 330 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 3) of the mountingassembly 100 and the second mounting assembly 110 extend. The secondcables 1104 can extend substantially parallel to each other, and mayextend non-parallel (e.g., perpendicular) to the first cables 1102. Inthis way, the second cables 1104 can extend substantially parallel tothe axis 332 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 3) along which the elongatedopenings 330 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 3) of the mounting assembly 100and the second mounting assembly 110 extend. In an example, the system1100 may not comprise all of the first cables 1102 and/or the secondcables 1104 that are illustrated. Rather, the system 1100 may compriseone or more of the first cables 1102 and/or one or more of the secondcables 1104.

Referring to FIG. 12, the first cables 1102 and/or the second cables1104 can be anchored or secured in any number of ways. In an example,ends of the first cables 1102 and/or the second cables 1104 can beattached to a fixed structure 1200, such as a wall, for example. Theends of the first cables 1102 and/or the second cables 1104 can beattached to the fixed structure with an attachment structure 1202. In anexample, the attachment structure 1202 (e.g., a screw, a bolt, etc.) canbe inserted at least partially into the fixed structure (e.g., wall)such that the attachment structure 1202 is substantially fixed withrespect to the fixed structure 1200. An end of the first cable 1102and/or the second cable 1104 can be attached to the attachment structure1202, such as by being inserted into an opening of the attachmentstructure 1202. An opposing end of the first cable 1102 and/or thesecond cable 1104 can be attached to an opposing fixed structure in asimilar manner. In this way, the attachment of the first cables 1102and/or the second cables 1104 to the fixed structure(s) 1200 can occurat a location that is lower and/or closer to the surface 104 than alocation where the first cable 1102 and/or the second cable 1104contacts the mounting assembly 100 and the second mounting assembly 110.As such, the first cable 1102 and/or the second cable 1104 can maintainthe mounting assembly 100 and the second mounting assembly 110 incontact with the surface 104, and thus reduce the likelihood ofinadvertent movement of the mounting assemblies 100, 110 relative to thesurface 104. It will be appreciated that, in an example, the cable 1102,1104 is not limited to the illustrated attachment method comprising theattachment structure 1202. Rather, in an example, the cable 1102, 1104may be attached to a structure, such as a fastener, that may be attachedto the surface 104. In this way, the cable 1102, 1104 can be directlyattached to the surface 104, such as the ground.

Referring to FIG. 13, the first cables 1102 and/or the second cables1104 can be attached to the mounting assembly 100 and the secondmounting assembly 110 in any number of ways. For example, the mountingassembly 100 (e.g., and the second mounting assembly 110, etc.) maydefine a first cable opening 1300. The first cable opening 1300 can besized and shaped to receive one of the cables, such as the first cable1102, for example. In this way, the first cable 1102 may pass throughthe cable opening 1300 to maintain the mounting assembly 100 in a fixedrelationship relative to the surface 104. In an example, the modulemounts 202 may define one or more second cable openings 1302. The secondcable openings 1302 can be sized and shaped to receive one of thecables, such as the second cable 1104, for example. In this way, thesecond cable 1104 may pass through the second cable opening 1302 tomaintain the mounting assembly 100 in a fixed relationship relative tothe surface 104.

It will be appreciated that the first cables 1102 and/or the secondcables 1104 are not limited to the illustrated examples. For example,the first cables 1102 and/or the second cables 1104 can be attached withrespect to the mounting assembly 100 and/or the second mounting assembly110 with additional mounting structures, such as brackets, mechanicalfasteners, screws, bolts, etc. Likewise, the first cables 1102 and thesecond cables 1104 are not limited to extending perpendicular to eachother. Rather, in an example, the first cables 1102 and the secondcables 1104 can extend at an angle with respect to each other that isgreater than or less than 90 degrees. In addition, in an example, thesystems herein may use a combination of cables (e.g., 1102, 1104) andweights (e.g., 390, 392) to assist in securing the mounting assembly 100and/or the second mounting assembly 110 relative to the surface 104. Inthese examples, the mounting assembly 100 and the second mountingassembly 110 can remain substantially fixed relative to the surface 104.

Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, an example of a system 1400 isillustrated. In an example, the system 1400 comprises one or more modulemounts, such as a first module mount 1402 and a second module mount1404. The module mounts 1402, 1404 can be received within the elongatedopening 330 of the mounting assembly 100. In this way, the body portion302 of the mounting assembly 100 can accommodate the module mounts 1402,1404. By accommodating the module mounts 1402, 1404, the body portion302 can be attached to the module mounts 1402, 1404 in a number of ways.In an example, the module mounts 1402, 1404 can be received within theelongated opening 330. Likewise, the module mounts 1402, 1404 can beclamped and/or fixed to the body portion 302 while not being receivedwithin the body portion 302. When the module mounts 1402, 1404 arereceived within the elongated opening 330, the module mounts 1402, 1404can be movable within the elongated opening 330 so as to adjust aposition of the module mounts 1402, 1404 relative to the body portion302. In an example, a spacer 1406 can be received within the elongatedopening 330 and may be positioned between the first module mount 1402and the second module mount 1404.

In an example, the module mounts 1402, 1404 can assist in coupling thesolar panel 102 to the mounting base 200. For example, the solar panel102 can rest upon and/or be supported upon the mounting base 200. Aclamp portion of the first module mount 1402 can contact an uppersurface of the solar panel 102, so as to apply a downward force to thesolar panel 102. Similarly, a second solar panel (not illustrated) couldbe located on an opposite side of the first module mount 1402. A thirdand a fourth solar panel can be attached to the mounting base 200 in asimilar manner with the second module mount 1404. In this way, themodule mounts 1402, 1404 can attach one or more solar panels to themounting base 200. In an example, the spacer 1406 can function to spaceapart adjacent solar panels.

Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, an example of a system 1500 isillustrated. In an example, the system 1500 comprises one or more rails1502. The one or more rails 1502 can be received within the rail opening399 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 3) of the mounting assembly 100. In anexample, the rails 1502 can extend through one or more rail openings 399of one or more mounting assemblies 100. In this way, a portion of themounting assemblies 100 can be arranged in series with one of the rails1502 extending through the series of mounting assemblies 100 (e.g.,through the rail openings 399).

In an example, the rails 1502 can be anchored at opposing ends with ananchoring structure 1506. For example, one end of one of the rails 1502can be anchored with one anchoring structure 1506 while an opposing endof the rail 1502 can be anchored with an opposing anchoring structure1506. The anchoring structures 1506 can comprise any number ofstructures, such as mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or the like. In anexample, the anchoring structures 1506 may comprise screws, bolts, etc.that can fasten the rails 1502 to the surface. In an example, a set ofsecond rails 1508 may be provided extending non-parallel to the rails1502. For example, the second rails 1508 may extend perpendicular to therails 1502. The second rails 1508 can be attached to the mountingassemblies 100 and/or to the rails 1502 to provide further support.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the rails 1502, 1508can assist in attaching the mounting assemblies 100 to the surface. Forexample, due to the rails 1502 being anchored to the surface by theanchoring structures 1506, the mounting assemblies 100 may be limitedfrom inadvertent movement, such as due to wind, earthquakes, or thelike. As such, due to the rails 1502 being relatively fixed with respectto the surface, the solar panels 102 may likewise be limited frominadvertent movement. Another benefit of the rails 1502, 1508 is toallow for support of the solar panels 102 to a surface that isnon-level. That is, in an example, the surface (e.g., a roof, forexample) may be non-level. In this way, the rails 1502, 1508 can allowfor the mounting assemblies 100 to be attached to the rails 1502, 1508with a reduced likelihood of inadvertent movement, sliding, etc.

The system(s) herein provide a number of benefits. For example, due tothe adjustability and/or movability of the solar panels relative to themounting base(s), the solar panels can be oriented and/or moved so as toaccommodate for surface structures on the surface 104, such as vents,air conditioners, etc. In an example, the solar panels can also beadjusted to reduce or increase the spacing between adjacent solarpanels. Further, the module mounts can be interchanged and/or replacedso as to adjust the angles of the solar panels.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood thatthe subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarilylimited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, thespecific features and acts described above are disclosed as exampleforms of implementing at least some of the claims.

Various operations of embodiments are provided herein. The order inwhich some or all of the operations described should not be construed toimply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternativeordering will be appreciated having the benefit of this description.Further, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarilypresent in each embodiment provided herein. Also, it will be understoodthat not all operations are necessary in some embodiments.

Many modifications may be made to the instant disclosure withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Unlessspecified otherwise, “first,” “second,” or the like are not intended toimply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather,such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features,elements, items, etc. For example, a first component and a secondcomponent correspond to component A and component B or two different ortwo identical components or the same component.

Moreover, “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example,instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. Asused in this application, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or”rather than an exclusive “or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication are to be construed to mean “one or more” unless specifiedotherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also,at least one of A and B or the like means A or B or both A and B.Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, orvariants thereof are used in either the detailed description or theclaims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to“comprising”.

Also, although the disclosure has been illustrated and described withrespect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations andmodifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon areading and understanding of this specification and the annexeddrawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterationsand is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particularregard to the various functions performed by the above describedcomponents (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describesuch components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated,to any component which performs the specified function of the describedcomponent (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though notstructurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while aparticular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed withrespect to only one of several implementations, such feature may becombined with one or more other features of the other implementations asmay be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mounting assembly for mounting a solar panel toa surface, the mounting assembly comprising: a mounting base configuredto be supported on the surface, the mounting base defining an elongatedopening that extends along an axis; a module mount configured to becoupled to the mounting base, the module mount comprising: a first mountportion configured to be received within the elongated opening of themounting base such that the module mount is movable with respect to themounting base along the axis; and a second mount portion configured tobe coupled to the solar panel for mounting the solar panel to thesurface through the mounting base; a second mounting base configured tobe supported on the surface, the second mounting base defining a secondelongated opening that extends along a second axis; and a second modulemount configured to be coupled to the second mounting base, the secondmodule mount comprising: a third mount portion configured to be receivedwithin the second elongated opening of the second mounting base suchthat the second module mount is movable with respect to the secondmounting base along the second axis; and a fourth mount portionconfigured to be coupled to the solar panel for mounting the solar panelto the surface through the second mounting base.
 2. The mountingassembly of claim 1, wherein the axis extends non-perpendicular to thesurface.
 3. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the axis extendssubstantially parallel to the surface.
 4. The mounting assembly of claim1, wherein the mounting base comprises a leg portion configured to besupported on the surface, and a body portion, coupled to the legportion, within which the elongated opening is defined.
 5. The mountingassembly of claim 1, wherein the module mount comprises an intermediatemount portion that couples the first mount portion and the second mountportion.
 6. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the second mountportion of the module mount is spaced a selectively movable distanceapart from the mounting base.
 7. The mounting assembly of claim 1,wherein the second mount portion of the module mount comprises a clampportion configured to contact an upper surface of the solar panel so asto apply a force to the solar panel in a direction toward the surfacewhen the solar panel is mounted to the surface.
 8. The mounting assemblyof claim 7, wherein the fourth mount portion of the second module mountcomprises a second clamp portion configured to contact the upper surfaceof the solar panel so as to apply a second force to the solar panel inthe direction toward the surface when the solar panel is mounted to thesurface.
 9. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the solar panel isin contact with the mounting base when the solar panel is mounted to thesurface.
 10. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the axis and thesecond axis are parallel.
 11. The mounting assembly of claim 1, whereinat least one of an upper surface of the solar panel or a bottom surfaceof the solar panel is parallel to the surface when the solar panel ismounted to the surface.
 12. A mounting assembly for mounting a solarpanel and a second solar panel to a surface, the mounting assemblycomprising: a mounting base configured to be supported on the surface,the mounting base defining an elongated opening that extends along anaxis; and a module mount configured to be coupled to the mounting base,the module mount comprising: a first mount portion configured to bereceived within the elongated opening of the mounting base such that themodule mount is movable with respect to the mounting base along theaxis; a second mount portion configured to be coupled to the solar panelfor mounting the solar panel to the surface through the mounting base;and a second module mount configured to be coupled to the mounting base,the second module mount comprising: a third mount portion configured tobe received within the elongated opening of the mounting base such thatthe second module mount is movable with respect to the mounting basealong the axis; and a fourth mount portion configured to be coupled tothe second solar panel for mounting the second solar panel to thesurface through the mounting base.
 13. The mounting assembly of claim 12comprising a spacer configured to be received within the elongatedopening of the mounting base such that the spacer is movable withrespect to the mounting base along the axis, the spacer located betweenthe solar panel and the second solar panel to provide a predeterminedspace between the solar panel and the second solar panel.
 14. Themounting assembly of claim 12, wherein the second mount portion of themodule mount comprises a clamp portion configured to contact an uppersurface of the solar panel so as to apply a force to the solar panel ina direction toward the surface when the solar panel is mounted to thesurface.
 15. The mounting assembly of claim 12, wherein the solar panelis in contact with the mounting base when the solar panel is mounted tothe surface.
 16. The mounting assembly of claim 12, wherein: the secondmount portion is configured to be coupled to a third solar panel formounting the third solar panel to the surface through the mounting base;and the fourth mount portion configured to be coupled to a fourth solarpanel for mounting the fourth solar panel to the surface through themounting base.
 17. The mounting assembly of claim 12, comprising: asecond mounting base configured to be supported on the surface, thesecond mounting base defining a second elongated opening that extendsalong a second axis; and a third module mount configured to be coupledto the second mounting base, the third module mount comprising: a fifthmount portion configured to be received within the second elongatedopening of the second mounting base such that the third module mount ismovable with respect to the second mounting base along the second axis;and a sixth mount portion configured to be coupled to the solar panelfor mounting the solar panel to the surface through the second mountingbase.
 18. The mounting assembly of claim 17, comprising: a thirdmounting base configured to be supported on the surface, the thirdmounting base defining a third elongated opening that extends along athird axis; a fourth module mount configured to be coupled to the thirdmounting base, the fourth module mount comprising: a seventh mountportion configured to be received within the third elongated opening ofthe third mounting base such that the fourth module mount is movablewith respect to the third mounting base along the third axis; and aneighth mount portion configured to be coupled to the solar panel formounting the solar panel to the surface through the third mounting base;a fourth mounting base configured to be supported on the surface, thefourth mounting base defining a fourth elongated opening that extendsalong a fourth axis; and a fifth module mount configured to be coupledto the fourth mounting base, the fifth module mount comprising: a ninthmount portion configured to be received within the fourth elongatedopening of the fourth mounting base such that the fifth module mount ismovable with respect to the fourth mounting base along the fourth axis;and a tenth mount portion configured to be coupled to the solar panelfor mounting the solar panel to the surface through the fourth mountingbase.
 19. A mounting assembly for mounting a solar panel to a surface,the mounting assembly comprising: a mounting base configured to besupported on the surface, the mounting base defining an elongatedopening that extends along an axis; a module mount configured to becoupled to the mounting base, the module mount configured to be receivedwithin the elongated opening of the mounting base such that the modulemount is movable with respect to the mounting base along the axis; asecond mounting base configured to be supported on the surface, thesecond mounting base defining a second elongated opening that extendsalong a second axis; a second module mount configured to be coupled tothe second mounting base, the second module mount configured to bereceived within the second elongated opening of the second mounting basesuch that the second module mount is movable with respect to the secondmounting base along the second axis; a third mounting base configured tobe supported on the surface, the third mounting base defining a thirdelongated opening that extends along a third axis; a third module mountconfigured to be coupled to the third mounting base, the third modulemount configured to be received within the third elongated opening ofthe third mounting base such that the third module mount is movable withrespect to the third mounting base along the third axis; a fourthmounting base configured to be supported on the surface, the fourthmounting base defining a fourth elongated opening that extends along afourth axis; and a fourth module mount configured to be coupled to thefourth mounting base, the fourth module mount configured to be receivedwithin the fourth elongated opening of the fourth mounting base suchthat the fourth module mount is movable with respect to the fourthmounting base along the fourth axis, wherein: the module mount, thesecond module mount, the third module mount, and the fourth module mountare coupled to the solar panel for mounting the solar panel to thesurface through the mounting base, the second mounting base, the thirdmounting base, and the fourth mounting base.
 20. The mounting assemblyof claim 19, wherein the axis, the second axis, the third axis, and thefourth axis are parallel.